Things to Do in October

It’s officially fall ya’ll. The cooler temperatures are finally here, the leaves will soon be changing and the Halloween décor has fully taken over the stores. We’ve got an October filled with too many fun activities to name—everything from art classes to Pilates, to yard sales, to a brand new park opening this weekend that you won’t want to miss. Below are 10 things you can do this month with Prince William County Parks.

Check Out a New Park
Join us for the grand opening of Rollins Ford Park in Nokesville, Virginia! We’ll officially open the new 69-acre park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, October 7 at 9:30 am. Rollins Ford Park features dog parks, a custom-themed playground, a basketball court, pavilions, grass fields and more!

Zumba for a Good Cause
Register to join your favorite instructors for this special Zumba class on October 21 at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center, as we show our support for those affected by breast cancer. Wearing pink is highly encouraged! This event is free to passholders; $12 group exercise drop-in rate applies for non-passholders. 

Learn Pilates 
We’re hosting a FREE Pilates workshop on Friday, October 6 that will focus on how to perform the Pilates exercise with proper form, alignment and effort. The workshop will take place at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center. Spots are filling up fast so register today. 

Learn Some Local History
This year marks the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station. Come and walk the fields of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park on Saturday, October 14, 11 am to 5 pm, and learn more about the historic event. The all-day event is free; no registration required. All ages welcome. Numerous tours, programs and demonstrations will take place throughout the day as follows:

Battlefield Tours: 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm

Infantry Demo: 12 pm

Artillery Demo: 2 pm

Immersive Battle Tour and Demonstration: 4 pm.

Go Birding
Grab your binoculars and camera and join Master Naturalist and birder Candice Lowther as she guides you through the Julie J. Metz Wetlands at Neabsco Regional Park. Join us on Sunday, October 22 to learn about the incredibly diverse range of birds in our wetlands and appreciate them in their natural habitat. All ages welcome. Children under 5 are free. Register here.

Take a Hike
Did you know the trails at Silver Lake Regional Park can lead you along the lake, through the forest and back again? Bring the family (ages 8+) and join us to walk the trails at Silver Lake on Saturday, October 14, and learn valuable skills and knowledge on navigating park trails together. This program is designed for children to be accompanied by parent(s) or guardian(s). Register today.

Enjoy a Movie in the Park
Come join the fun at Veterans Memorial Park for a free family movie night under the stars. Join us on Saturday, October 21 at 6 pm to watch Disney’s Elemental. Come early and get a good seat! The movie will begin at sunset. Please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating. All participants must pre-register for a ticket to the movie. A parent must attend with children under the age of 16. Register here.

Sip Coffee While You Paint
Let’s paint! Register to join us for Coffee & Canvas at Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday, October 10 at 5:00 pm. We will provide refreshing cups of your favorite coffee brews or cocoa, and the colors; you bring your creative eye. Weather permitting, we will venture outdoors and be inspired by Mother Nature all around us. Canvas, paint and brushes will be provided. 

Shop a Yard Sale
Do you love shopping for secondhand treasures? Then you should plan to stop by one of our yard sales this month on October 7 or October 21, at the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond.

Become a Wilderness Woman
This program is an introduction to various activities and skills needed to have an enjoyable experience while exploring our many Prince William County parks and Virginia State Parks. Participants will engage in activities to include archery, backpacking, navigating with a map and compass, and camp cooking (with a camping stove). This program on Sunday, October 22 at Silver Lake Regional Park provides hands-on instruction in a safe and fun learning environment. Register for Wilderness Women here.

What do you have planned for October? Share a photo with us on social media by using @pwcPARKS, and be sure to stay connected with us to keep up with the latest programs, events and activities going on with Prince William County Parks and Recreation.

Related links:

Fall Leisure  - Covering September through December 2023 programs, classes and events